Life, 1912-03-14 · page 38 of 44
Life — March 14, 1912 — page 38: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page is primarily **advertisements** with one cartoon at the bottom. The cartoon titled "NOT GUILTY" depicts two men—one appearing to be working-class or rural (holding a scythe), the other better-dressed—in conversation. The rural figure claims he "can't thread a needle" and uses "safety-pins and court plaster" instead, responding to an accusation about "sowing tares" (weeds). The joke appears to satirize **class assumptions about competence**: the working man is accused of spreading corruption or problems ("sewing tares"), but deflects by claiming incompetence at fine, delicate work—implying only the educated could be responsible for such deliberate wrongdoing. It's a humorous commentary on how people might evade blame through feigned ignorance. The surrounding advertisements promote luxury goods (Milo cigarettes, Martin & Martin custom shoes, Coldwell lawn mowers)—products marketed to distinguish the wearer/user as refined and individualistic, which contrasts ironically with the cartoon's working-class character below.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
The ‘‘Different’’ Cigarette @ I am willing to retire before my betters—but as yet I have not found them. —MILO, THE SURBRUG COMPANY, Discriminating dressers— who would give utterance to their individuality through their appearance—find in the Martin & Martin Shoes, a variety and character re. flection, that places them in a class dis- tinctly their own. Martin & Martin Shoe standards of comportment are high. And those who have worn these custom-quality shoes, , more style, and have had more comfort, more e: more satisfaction for a longer time, than ever before enjoyed. With a ready-to-w added feature. An expert Custom Departm 5 The Thomas Cort Shoes, for which we are representa’ . , They are cut, sl are built just as isa custom-made shoe. _ and sewed all by hand over custom lasts, in a shop where ti honored processes are still followed. Witte for Brochore. showing phtographs ef new season's models for every occaston or Street, Dress ava Sporting Wears with particulars of eur unive Service-by Pose Priced at $7 and up. Mien Bootmakers for Men and Women New York: 1 East 3sth St. Chicago: 310 South Michigan Ave. AN otor fa wn.eNower THESE MACHINES ARE USED ON MANY OF THE LEADING GOLF COURSES a’ PUBLIC PARKS THROUGHOUT He UNITED STATES. THEY IMPROVE 222 BEAUTIFY TI LAWN AS NO OTHER MACHINE CAN ax AT MUCH LESS cost end for Catalogue NOT GUILTY MY FRIEND, YOU HAVE BEEN SOWING Taxes. T USE SAFETY- “xo, Bo! I CAN'T THREAD A NEEDLE, comicbooks.com